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Engine coolingPart report

2000 Mazda Protege Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
7%of 102 total for the year
Median mileage
54,900miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2000 Mazda Protege, 7% of the 102 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,900 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“While driving engine and overdrive warning lights illuminated. Dealer diagnosed that vehicle requires new transmission, radiator and other engine work. Consumer very concerned because vehicle mileage wa slow and maintained regularly. Ts.”

NHTSA complaint #10004469, filed 2003-01, 49,800 miles

“Dt: the contact stated that about a year transmission was replaced. Now the engine light is coming on. The brakes are not tight enough and they are not working.”

NHTSA complaint #10140678, filed 2005-10, 45,000 miles

“The contact stated while driving 35 MPH there was a loud explosion from the engine. The vehicle was not pulled over but continued to be driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was then inspected, the number 2 cylinder had blown a spark plug through the motor. The spark plug was in 3 pieces, the plug wires were still connected to the top of the plug, the threaded portion of the plug was still in the cylinder, and the third piece was inside the engine. Neither the dealer nor manufacturer were contacted. Updated 05/30/2006.”

NHTSA complaint #10157465, filed 2006-05, 60,000 miles

“Bought car in october 2000 brand new and to date have had 6 problems. 1) march 2001 motor for driver side window had to be replaced. 2) december 2001 cd player stopped working temporarily. 3) 4/8/02 check engine lite came on, dealer found no problem. 4) 4/30/02 check engine lite came on, this time dealer had to replace ignition coil. 5) 10/24/02 check engine lite came on, dealer found no problem. 6) 12/27/02 check engine lite came on, dealer has to replace catalytic converter ts”

NHTSA complaint #10000502, filed 2003-01

“Consumer states that while driving vehicle at highway speeds, consumer stated vehicle hit something that was in the road that was very hard, which turned out to be a problem with motor mounts, and transmission. Ts”

NHTSA complaint #8021842, filed 2002-10

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20033428%
200277%
2001816%
200077%
199989%
19981022%
1997914%
199646%
19951912%
199468%
199349%
199223%
199124%
1990411%

Other parts of the 2000 Mazda Protege

Transmission and drivetrain
29 complaintsAir bags
25 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsTires
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2000 Mazda Protege

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology